Isla Magdalena’s rugged landscapes, deep ravines, and coastal bluffs make it an ideal environment for species such as Penguins, Cormorants, Sea Lions, and Huillines (Southern River Otters). Situated between the Chilean continent and the Guaitecas Archipelago, in Río Cisnes, Isla Magdalena is one of the largest islands to the south of Chiloé. 80% of its surface is protected land. At the center of the island, the peak of Mentolat Volcano stretches 5,446 feet above sea level amongst the exuberant flora of the northern Patagonia cordillera.

Can’t Miss

  • Schedule a trip in boat with local guides to spot and learn about a huge diversity of marine life
  • Circumnavigate the island in sea kayak
  • View Mentolat Volcano (5446 feet above sea level) and, for more seasoned hikers, plan an ascent to its peak
  • Visit Puerto Gaviota, a fisherman’s cove at the southern edge of the island
  • Visit the Santa Isabel and San Andrés islets to get a closer look at the sea lions

Open

Only sea access

Area

617,052 acres

Climate

Rainy and mild

Rainfall

157 inches annually

Ecosystem

Evergreen Chono Forest

Founded

July 11, 1983

"To conserve biological diversity is an investment in immortality”,

Edward O. Wilson

Flora

Highlights include the Coigüe de Chiloé and Coigüe de Magallanes, Ciprés de las Guaitecas (Pilgerodendron), Canelo, Ciruelilo, Luma, Tepu, and Fiunques. Dozens of ferns and bushes such as the Chilco (Hardy Fuchsia) and Chaura also make up this dense rainforest.

Fauna

Huillines (Southern River Otters), Coipos, Chungungos (Marine Otters), South American Fur Seals, and Toninas (Commerson’s Dolphins), in addition to various species of Petrels, Cormorants, and Seagulls.

Culture

The parklands are ancestral territory of the Chono people, a nomadic people that navigated the islands and channels in their canoes, moving between the south of Chiloé and the Taitao Peninsula. They hunted sea lions, fished, and gathered shellfish and seaweed along the coast.

infrastructure

  • Bathrooms
  • Lodging
  • Camping
  • Restaurants
  • Information Center
  • Trails
  • Trekking Circuits
  • Picnic Area

How to Get There

Isla Magdalena National Park does not have land access.

You can coordinate private boat trips from Puerto Cisnes, located 122 miles from Coyhaique. The route crosses the Puyuhuapi Channel in around an hour.

To get to Puerto Gaviota, you can take one of the Naviera Austral ferries from Puerto Chacabuco (which takes around 6 hours), Quellón, or Puerto Cisnes (which takes approximately 3.5 hours).

Trails

Tips

  • Isla Magdalena National Park does not have any official trails currently open to the public. The best way to explore the park is navigating its coastline in boat. Trips can be scheduled in Puerto Cisnes
  • There are no park rangers
  • In February, the Puerto Gaviota Tourism Committee throws a three-day traditional festival called «Rescuing Our Fishing Heritage,» in which visitors can participate in Hake and Conger fishing
  • Bring waterproof jacket and trousers, even in summer
  • Lodging and dining establishments can be found in Puerto Cisnes
  • The road between Coyhaique and Puerto Cisnes is paved

Local Communities

Puerto Cisnes

Located on the small bay of the Puyuhuapi Channel, next to the mouth of the Cisnes River, 20 miles from Route 7.

Puerto Gaviota

Puerto Gaviota is a small cove used by artisanal fishermen, located on Isla Magdalena, a 3-hour boat ride from Puerto Cisnes.

Puyuhuapi

Founded in 1935 by German settlers, Puyuhuapi's central attraction is its inviting hot springs. This small town is located at the northern end of Puyuhuapi fjord.

Melinka

Capital of the Guaitecas municipality, Melinka is a town in the Guaitecas Archipelago, which is made up of more than 40 islands.

Copyright 2018 Ruta de los Parques de la Patagonia